Sunday 17 July is expected to be very hot, with temperatures expected around the high 20s (degrees Celsius) in Cheshire, with night-time temperatures expected to become increasingly uncomfortable from Saturday evening onwards.

Temperatures are then expected to peak across Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July, with a ‘red’ extreme heat warning issued and some expected temperatures in Cheshire set to hit as high as the mid-30s (degrees Celsius).

The heatwave is expected to end on Tuesday evening, with the introduction of thundery showers spreading up the country from the south west into Wednesday 20 July.

Stay safe in the heat

Severe heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Some people are more at risk than others, including older people, infants and people with medical conditions.

Even if temperatures do not hit the extreme levels expected, the council is still advising people to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool fluids.

It is important throughout heatwave periods to:

• Wear loose fitting, cotton clothing that covers your body as much as possible
• Apply SPF 30+ UVA sunscreen with a star rating of five, at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun
• Wear protective clothing including a sun hat and sunglasses
• Shade from the sun whenever possible, especially between 11am and 3pm
• Have plenty of cold drinks, and eat cold foods with a high water content like salads and fruit
• Have a cool shower, bath or wash
• Keep your living space as well-ventilated as possible by opening windows if the air feels cooler outside, and by closing curtains that get morning or afternoon sun – but be careful if you have metal blinds as these can absorb heat
• Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
• Use electric fans, which may provide some relief if temperatures are below 35°C

Spot the signs of heatstroke

Symptoms of heatstroke may include high temperature, heavy sweating that suddenly stops, hot and/or dry skin and a rapid heartbeat, as well as rapid breathing. It is important to take immediate action if danger symptoms of heatstroke are present. You should:

• move quickly to somewhere cool
• drink fluids, preferably water
• do not take aspirin or paracetamol – this can make you worse (but do carry on taking all other prescribed medicines)
• seek further advice from NHS 111, a doctor, or ring 999 if the person has collapsed

Warrington Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, Thara Raj, said: “We are going to experience exceptionally high temperatures over the coming days and it’s really important we keep cool and stay safe.

“High temperatures can be dangerous - young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable during a heatwave. It’s important that you keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight. I would also urge residents to take the time to check on older relatives or neighbours during a heatwave to make sure they are coping and know how to keep cool and comfortable.

“Whilst getting plenty of sun and warm temperatures makes a nice change to the normal Great British summer weather, what we are likely to experience in the coming days will be unseasonably high temperatures, so we need to make sure that we take sensible steps to help cope with the incoming heatwave.”

For more information, visit:

• Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather (nhs.uk)
• Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist (gov.uk)
• The Met Office